Department of Parks
20th Annual Herpetology Weekend Is May 6 – 7 at Natural Bridge

SLADE, Ky. – Natural Bridge State Resort Park will host Herpetology Weekend, May 6-7, providing an opportunity for guests to see and discover the mysterious world of reptiles and amphibians that reside in eastern Kentucky.

This is a great weekend for children, as well as adults who are kids at heart, to visit the park and experience “herping” with biologists, ecologists, and other trained professionals.

This year is the 20^th anniversary for Herpetology Weekend. Leading participants into the Red River Gorge, field trips with professionals will be offered on Saturday, May 7, at 9 a.m. and at 1:30 p.m.  All field trips will depart from the Hemlock Lodge lobby and registration for trips will begin 30 minutes prior to departure.

During the evenings of May 6 and 7, presentations by herpetology professionals will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Woodland Center.  Speakers for this year’s event will include Kristin Stanford, who is known as the “Island Snake Lady” after her nickname became a household name after appearing on the TV show “Dirty Jobs with Mike Rowe.”  Stanford will offer a presentation focused on her conservation efforts of the Lake Erie Water Snake.

Dr. Eric Juterbock, professor at Ohio State University, will give a presentation entitled “Mountain Salamanders: What are they doing out there?”  John MacGregor, a Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources biologist, and James Kiser, an independent biologist with Stantec Consulting, will also present a historical reflection of herpetology over the past 19 years. 

On-site registration is $10 per adult and $3 per child.  Registration will begin approximately one hour prior to the Friday evening presentations at the Woodland Center and will continue until all of the festivities have concluded.  Field trip sign-up will open 30 minutes before fieldtrips depart.  A detailed agenda will be available upon registration.  For more information about Herpetology Weekend, contact Tyler Morgan at tyler.morgan@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1710. 

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is home to one of the larger natural arches in the state and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest.  Natural Bridge offers lodging, cottages, and campground accommodations.  Hiking trails and other recreational opportunities are available.  For more information call 1-800-325-1710 or visit www.parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/nb.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is 52 miles southeast of Lexington and 2 miles off the Mountain Parkway at Slade, exit 33.

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